Hey everyone – it’s Jay here, and in this masterclass episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on everything Annie and I have learned from 20+ years of flipping homes, building rentals, and surviving market shifts. Whether you’re new to real estate investing or ready to level up your game, this session is packed with real-world strategies, creative financing options, and hard-earned lessons (including the time I lost it all and had to start over with joint ventures!).

We cover how to craft a personal and business vision, fund your deals with little to no money, find and manage contractors, and scale your business with systems and a strong team. I also break down our deal-finding process, go-to renovation budget hacks, and how we generate multiple streams of income from each flip. If you’re serious about investing and want to build wealth the smart way—this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Building a business on purpose: setting clear 1, 3, and 10-year goals

[6:49] – How to get funding even if you’ve got no experience or bad credit

[9:27] – Joint ventures saved my career—and how they can start yours

[13:42] – Assembling a top-tier investing team (and red flags to watch for)

[16:26] – The truth about how many sellers you need to talk to each month

[19:50] – Aligning your role to your strengths and outsourcing the rest

[22:34] – Why I became obsessed with helping sellers after losing my own home

[24:07] – How title companies can help you market—often for free

[26:26] – The deal-finding pipeline: MLS, auctions, sheriff sales, land banks & more

[28:03] – Why cheap septic inspections can cost you $30K

[31:09] – Lead sources that work: SEO, PPC, cold calls, and VA teams

[34:15] – Seller script questions that uncover true motivation fast

[35:20] – Why getting your real estate license is a cheat code for flippers

[37:03] – Avoiding over-renovating: matching finishes to your neighborhood

[41:35] – Creative funding breakdowns: using private money, credit cards, and partnerships

[46:03] – FHA 203(k) rehab loans: a powerful tool for beginners

[48:10] – How to vet and manage contractors for maximum reliability

[52:56] – Why you should pay yourself on every deal—and how to do it right

[55:13] – Our staging hack that costs $300/month and sells homes fast

[57:09] – Collecting powerful testimonials that build massive credibility

5 Key Takeaways

1. Creative financing is everywhere – Joint ventures, private lenders, and even credit cards can fund your first deal if you know how to structure it right.

2. Your contractor can make or break your profit – Always vet thoroughly, set clear expectations, and use bonuses and penalties to drive performance.

3. Vision matters – If you don’t know why you’re investing, you’ll get off track. Set personal and business goals and build a plan around them.

4. Pay yourself – Don’t wait until closing to earn. Build in income from agent commissions, GC fees, or project management.

5. Don’t over-improve – High-end finishes in a basic neighborhood don’t bring ROI. Know your comps and stay market-appropriate.

Thanks again for listening! If this episode helped you, go ahead and rate, follow, and review the show. It’s the best way to support what we’re doing—and don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to flip their first (or next) house!